First Bank & Trust's new Main Street location isn't your father's branch bank. In fact, you might not recognize it as a bank at all. BEHLES+BEHLES was asked to design the new facility to reflect the changing landscape in retail banking customer relations. No teller line here. No corner offices or cubicles either. They have been replaced by an open, inviting space, dominated by a beautiful 13-foot tall wall of living plants. The installed Live Wall includes a self-contained drip-irrigation system and LED horticultural lights. It’s beautiful to see, helps the space acoustically, and does a nice job improving the indoor air quality.

As online and mobile banking continue to satisfy more customers’ needs, the responsibilities of bankers are changing. When people come into the new Main Street branch, they work with one universal banker from beginning to end. There are no tellers, all bankers are trained to handle transactions and help customers concierge-style, with any banking service or financial question. Customers with more complex banking matters are escorted to one of several seating areas—a lounge of colorful chairs, a large boardroom table, or a soundproof conference room encased in floor-to-ceiling windows.

To test-drive a contemporary banking experience for yourself, stop by the new branch of First Bank & Trust, located at 520 Main Street, Evanston, IL.